By Theresa Thompson. I loved this instantly. I know the colorful sprinkles might not fit some folks’ strict definition of “food”…but I thought the photo itself was gloriously beautiful and inventive, as was Theresa Thompson’s entire photostream. Wow.

By goodlife.eats. This photo makes me want to dive in and start slurping this gorgeous soup. The composition, focus, exposure…it’s all wonderful. Great job, GoodLife Eats!

By jennifer glass. This photo drew me in immediately, and made me feel like I was right there in the kitchen making pierogies. I love the aerial view, the motion of the hands, and the imperfection of the messy counter. Just fabulous.

By MelissaG2003. One of my favorites immediately, I love the color, the clarity, and the “pose” of the Froot Loops. Fabulous.

By Deborah Tynan. Deborah Tynan always reels me in with her incredible use of textures, and I loved what she did with these blueberries. Definitely a work of art!

By beantownbaker. I love this one. What a pretty peppermint marshmallow, and the overall focus and depth-of-field is so awesome. I have a hard time shooting food from above and getting everything in focus, and this photo makes me want to try a little harder. Gorgeous!

By Sweetapolita. I had a hard time choosing between Sweetapolita’s soft turquoise cake and the chocolate cake with pink icing she submitted. In the end, I loved the composition of this shot the most…and I wanted to sink my teeth into this piece of cake instantly.

By Savour Fare. My love and affection for Lyle’s aside, I just think this shot is splendid. The dark red/wood toned background is such a great choice for the warm, rich color of the Lyle’s can…and the syrup itself. So gorgeous, Savour Fare!

By MarianneLoMonaco. Oh, what can I say? Creamy and dreamy and divine. Such a unique idea for a shot; the white-on-white is so beautiful. Fantastic job, Marianne. I love your photos.

By sae photography. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful shots of pancakes I’ve ever seen! The focus is out of this world.

By picky & fussy. I’ve never seen such a beautiful bowl of tomatoes; from a distance, they almost look like eggs. What a shot. The exposure is perfect.

By Simutis [nancy]. There were so many cherry shots submitted in this assignment, and I selected several to feature throughout the week. I loved the happiness of this one, as well as the lovely natural light and the subtle processing. Very lovely!

By Cosi! Again, I think this is one of the most gorgeous photos of M & M cookies ever. So warm and lovely.

111 Comments and 24 Replies

1

CoriK On Monday, January 17 at 6:33 pm

Jennifer’s gorgeous entry was my favorite! Congrats to all of the finalists!

2

Mary On Monday, January 17 at 6:34 pm

Anyone of these could have been the top pick! Congrats to everyone on these beatutiful shots. If I ever get to replace my broken dslr, I plan on entering your contests, Ree. This may have been my favorite photo contest yet. So fun!

I agree, that was my favorite too. (Of course, if we were in MY kitchen, the artistic goal might be hindered by the “real” factor: stray cup on the counter, banana peel left over from breakfast, toast crumbs, unopened pack of batteries–how did those get in the shot–and oh, yeah, Duncan Hines mix. Turns out, this mama doesn’t have time for scratch.)
Always an inspiration!
*http://mothersofbrothersblog.blogspot.com
*
MOV

PW, I have no idea how you could choose just one, but I loved the winner too! Congrats Jennifer! I love the in-the-middle-osity of it and how it really shows all the stages of the pierogies (well, except the actual cooking but…) I just had a very large dinner, but for some reason I’m all hungry again… hmmmm….

This was a fun contest Ree. I didn’t submit anything this time so it was fun to just see what everyone else submitted. Some very talented photographers AND cooks!

Thanks for writing such lovely things about my cakes, Ree (and for the gift card prize!). Congratulations to Jennifer–I absolutely adore everything about her winning photo; it gives me chills, actually. I was truly just so excited to be a finalist. It makes me want to work even harder as a newbie food photographer! Thanks to everyone who had such kind things to say about my cake photos! xo

Judy K. On Tuesday, January 18 at 8:13 am

Well deserved Rosie! Your picture made me want to stop by your website and ooohhh your cakes look so delicious! Looking forward to trying some of your delicious cake recipes.

Kathleen On Tuesday, January 18 at 3:50 pm

I too just had to peek at your flickr stream. Your baking and photography are enviable! (and your daughters are too adorable) So lovely!

15

Kristiane On Monday, January 17 at 6:57 pm

You gave yourself a tough assignment having to choose a winner from among so many beautiful and creative shots. Good job. I don’t know how I would have narrowed it down, but your choice is a nice one. It is unique in that it is about the loving process of preparing food. Thanks again for hosting these virtual art galleries.

17

claudia On Monday, January 17 at 6:59 pm

What an honor to be among the finalists! Thank you Ree, there were so many beautiful entries, it made my head spin! Congrats to Jennifer… it was my pick too
~Cosi!

18

becky up a hill On Monday, January 17 at 7:00 pm

this was my favorite. i’m so glad! Congrats to the winner and oh my goodness…i’m hungry

Oh my gosh!! I can’t believe my photo won! I am thrilled beyond measure, and honored that my photo is included in a group of such beautiful photos. This photography assignment had such a high level of talent, and I truly would have had a tough time picking a winner. My grandmother passed away a few years ago, and I never got the chance to make pierogies with her, but I know she would be so proud that her humble version of comfort food resonated with so many people. Thanks again!

Melissa G On Monday, January 17 at 7:51 pm

Huge congratulations! This was my favourite photo of the group, amazing quality. I’m sorry for you loss and that you missed out on what are some of my best childhood memories had with my grandmother. Except we made pizza.

SeattleStarlet On Monday, January 17 at 9:44 pm

Congatulations, Jennifer! I love that your photo shows “the process” involved in making pierogies in a still shot. Your grandmother must be smiling down on you today! I hope you have a chance to make her pierogies with your own grandchildren someday.

Caroline in Tennessee On Monday, January 17 at 10:26 pm

Congratulations! I am a spectator only in the phot competitions – and I am so jealous that I don’t have that “eye” for photography! I could stare at these food photos for hours!

Congrats Jennifer! I love that photo, mostly because it’s a real person making real food. (No offense meant to the stylish posed shots, like the sprinkles or the cherry and milk, they’re really pretty, but don’t tell me a story, your photo does!!!)

Congratulations Jennifer! Yours was definitely my favorite too. The others were beautifully shot, but I love how yours seemed so natural like I could just walk right up and start making one too. Fabulous!!

I couldn’t decide between hers and the pot luck shot – I love real food. Congratulations, Jennifer, and thanks to all the contributors who share their gifts, and set such a high yet generous educational standard for those of us who have just started learning.

Jennifer, what a great photo honoring your grandmother. I feel like she was in the room with you.

Congrats to all the amazing shot.

Delicious Photo Prompt Ree. xo

26

Mickie On Monday, January 17 at 7:34 pm

Way to go everyone, those were all beautiful and Jennifer’s caught my eye right away, congratulations!

27

Julie On Monday, January 17 at 7:45 pm

Love them all but the one with the sprinkles on the lips is creepy… is that a baby with mascara on?

28

Melissa G On Monday, January 17 at 7:53 pm

Thank you so very much for choosing my photo as a finalist (and for the gift card!), Ree! I had the greatest time looking through all of the submissions. Loved all of those you chose to feature each day and I think the winner was a fabulous choice.

HNRae On Monday, January 17 at 11:22 pm

I love your picture! It was my favorite.Good job!

29

tracie On Monday, January 17 at 7:56 pm

Yay! I love that picture–excellent choice!

30

christinem On Monday, January 17 at 7:57 pm

No way could I have picked a favorite! So many wonderful photos…Jennifer’s was a great choice. I feel like I’m right there and she’s teaching me how to make pierogies. Congrats to all!

And thanks to you, P Dub, for including my cherries as a finalist. What an honor to be included with such amazing talent. My thanks to everyone who took time to call my shot out, visit my flickr stream, and send love my way.

It was a great assignment, and I’m looking forward to playing along in the next one. (I vote for “drinks” next time. =])

Jen On Monday, January 17 at 8:53 pm

Oh so fun! Congrats to all the winners here! Thank you Ree and all of you for the lovely compliments. I’m thrilled so many of you liked my photo.

Someone had asked how I did my splash photo.Well in 2010 I did a project 365 (one photo everyday for one year). During that year I was really forced to be creative constantly. I wanted to learn as much as I could and try new things and I really wanted to end up with a variety of images after the year was done.
I learned about splash photography here – http://www.diyphotography.net/strawberry-splash-thoughts-about-high-speed-photography
I was able to get great results with desk lamps, I don’t have off camera flashes and at the time I had the most basic DSLR camera. If I could do it so can you. Last year I did maybe 4 splash photos. If anyone has questions I’d be happy to help: mariannelomonaco(at)yahoo(dot)com

Thanks again! xo

40

Rene Foust On Monday, January 17 at 8:59 pm

Congratulations to all!!! The winner was one of my favorites too.

41

Kerri On Monday, January 17 at 9:25 pm

This picture came up on my screen while I was uploading my picture, and I turned to my husband, showed him and said, “Hands down… that’s your winner right there!” I can’t believe I was that on point! I’m so happy for her, it’s simply amazing.

JulieJ On Monday, January 17 at 9:31 pm

Congratulations, Jennifer! I “voted” for yours in the comments section of last night’s finalists post. I just LOVE that shot. The messiness, the rustic “homey” feel of it…makes me feel warm and fuzzy This assignment was one of my all-time favorites, Ree! Have a stellar week!

45

tinaehb3 On Monday, January 17 at 9:42 pm

congrats to the winner ! I can’t imagine all the work she was actually doing.

Josan On Monday, January 17 at 10:24 pm

as soon as you showed the winning shot the very first time I knew it was going to win..it is extraordinary I think…beautiful!! Great choice…and all the pic were lovely…this one just took it to another height!

50

Joyce On Monday, January 17 at 10:29 pm

Congratulations to the finalists and to the winner, but I must admit my surprise at the selection of this photo as a winner. It’s just my personal preference, but I really don’t think it compares to some of the other GORGEOUS pictures submitted. I’m not trying to take anything away from this winner – just giving my thoughts. You all can do this far better than I can, and I am in awe. Congrats again!

Yay!! for pierogies!!!:) Not many people in Oklahoma even know what they are. I miss them being at every function. Carnival, fair, potluck, church gathering, etc.

54

HNRae On Monday, January 17 at 11:10 pm

Thanks Ree for all your hard work in these photo assignments, everyone enjoys them!

55

kate On Tuesday, January 18 at 12:02 am

All these photes were wonderful!!!, but I was rooting for the winner who won!

56

Gabi On Tuesday, January 18 at 12:04 am

I vote for the sprinkles candy mouth! Or the fruit loop tower…..! Or the peppermint marshmallow hot chocolate….Geez how on earth are you going to choose? Anyways, 1st, 2nd, 3rd in that order for me!

57

Tish C Hill On Tuesday, January 18 at 1:07 am

Congratulations to Jennifer for such a great entry! And to everyone else that made it to the finals! I wish I had that kind of talent….maybe someday! But I think I might eat all the scrumptious looking food before I get around to taking pics of it! LOL

Lisa D On Tuesday, January 18 at 7:07 am

Anna On Tuesday, January 18 at 7:57 am

Ever since I first saw the winning picture, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. I love it. I want to make a print of it and put it in my kitchen. So amazing.

66

Deborah On Tuesday, January 18 at 7:59 am

I love your finalists, but I have to say the winner was my LEAST favorite of all the photos you chose this whole week. It is cliche — you can find so many photos like it on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=lips+sprinkles&s=int. That’s just the first page of many when you plug in “lips sprinkles.” Cliche is fine in my book if it is done well, but the skin in this one looks over-processed and plastic.

Deborah On Tuesday, January 18 at 8:02 am

So sorry! I thought the top photo was the winner. The winner is fabulous. The top photo is fine where it is, among the finalists

67

Dawn in Michigan On Tuesday, January 18 at 7:59 am

I LOVED the winning photo since the first time I saw it – it is absolute perfection! THIS has been my favorite “assignment” to date – I hope you do it again!!!

68

Deborah On Tuesday, January 18 at 8:01 am

Oops! I thought the top one (the lips) was the winner. I am sorry. The winner WAS among my favorites. Beautiful! So sorry!

Well give out a shout and move the furniture waaaaay back ’cause this Ozark Farm Chick is dancin’ my big old happy dance for the grand winners!!!! What a talented bunch of readers ya’ll have over here. Woooooooohoooooooo!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WONDERFUL WINNERS!!!! :o) :o) :o)

From the foggy cold hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa, ya’ll have a most wonderfully blessed winter’s day!!!!

Snowstorm ‘a~comin’…I’m off to the city to ‘stock~up’ on supplies. Dang it to thunder if I wasn’t born with a shoppin’ gene!!!!

Yay!! Congratulations. This was my favorite! What a hard decision though.

71

Lindsay On Tuesday, January 18 at 8:43 am

I love photos that tell a story and yours does it so well. Congratulations!

72

Danise On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:01 am

I loved looking at all of these pics throughout the week. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel (can you hear the pounding hammers?) and have been wondering what I will put on the walls in the finished kitchen. I think I’m going to try to take some of my own pics – we’ll see how it goes – maybe I could just hire one of the finalists!!!!!

73

Paula B. On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:16 am

Wow, I was ooohing and ahhing at so many of these while I enjoyed all of them. Loved your winner and so many of the others that didn’t even make your final group. Here’s to the photogs – all of you have an amazing “eye’!

74

Jennifer Anderson On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:21 am

I’m so glad you picked the pierogies — that was my favorite photo too!

75

Tasha On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:24 am

This photo assignment was BY FAR my favorite to view! EVERY entry was so unique & special in its own way. I loved the winner’s picture the first moment I saw it. How do people think of these things? AMAZING!

76

kathy m On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:50 am

Congrats to all the winners!!!!

kathy m On Tuesday, January 18 at 9:55 am

and now I must go eat… I am starving….

77

fidget On Tuesday, January 18 at 10:13 am

yay! Jennifer’s was my fave of the bunch. Congrats to her and all the finalists

Denise in Seattle On Tuesday, January 18 at 11:31 am

I didn’t notice if the winner was a professional photographer, but I noticed that many of the finalists are. It would be interesting to haev a contest for amatures only, just to see what people without the fancy equipment and post-processing software can take SOOTC.

These were all lovely shots, but my favorite was the blue cake because of its vibrant color. Many of these finalist photos were washed out, faded, texturized and post-processed beyond necessary. In my opinion, and it’s only one opinion.

cicadagirl On Thursday, January 20 at 6:59 pm

Really? Many of the finalists are pros? I went to their Flickr sites and looked at their profiles…not one single person with a filled-out profile mentions being a professional photographer. Not one person mentioned having formal training, or owning a photography studio. In fact, most of them said they were self-taught and quite a few were stay-at-home moms. The winner is an architectural historian.

What makes a pro, really? Having a nice camera, knowing how to use it, and being able to use Photoshop as a “digital darkroom” to finalize the shot? Um, no. That makes a dedicated amateur. Being a pro photographer generally refers to a certain level of formal training + making most or all of one’s income through photography. Being a good photographer doesn’t mean you’re a “pro” photographer.

Laurie C On Tuesday, January 18 at 11:40 am

Every photo was gorgeous. Don’t know how you could pick only one. The sprinkles on the lips were a killer.

Can you find out what kind of cake is in SunnyKeri’s photo? And the recipe. It looks so delicious!!

84

Cristina On Tuesday, January 18 at 11:58 am

These photos were great. They were professional photos though.
I thought the point of a photography contest so that “normal non-professional photographers” could enter with their best shot. This is just like the Oscars. Celebrities Only allowed.

I agree! The photos are beautiful, and I entered, but I’m not a professional. I don’t own photo shop. I have a Mac and I can’t afford Photo shop!! I to would like to see photos that aren’t post processed to the max!

Melissa G On Tuesday, January 18 at 2:54 pm

I enter so many of PW’s contest and have a great time doing so. I appreciate the fact that she puts on these contests. Looking through all of the submissions is such fun to me. I have to say, however, that I bet the number of “normal non-professional photographers” that enter is far greater than that of the “professional” ones. Also, I don’t know which images were photoshopped, but there’s nothing wrong with using photoshop to begin with. I’m sure all of the submissions were processed in some way or another. Mine was resized and sharpened for web, in fact.

cicadagirl On Thursday, January 20 at 7:01 pm

Really? They’re all pro photos? I went to their Flickr sites and looked at their profiles…not one single person with a filled-out profile mentions being a professional photographer. Not one person mentioned having formal training, or owning a photography studio. In fact, most of them said they were self-taught and quite a few were stay-at-home moms. The winner is an architectural historian.

What makes a pro, really? Having a nice camera, knowing how to use it, and being able to use Photoshop as a “digital darkroom” to finalize the shot? Being able to use Photoshop to slap a watermark on your photo so no one steals it? Um, no. That makes a dedicated amateur. Being a pro photographer generally refers to a certain level of formal training + making most or all of one’s income through photography. Being a good photographer doesn’t mean you’re a “pro” photographer.

Every single time there is one of these contests posted, someone complains about competing against pros and how there should be separate contests. But you know, I really don’t think that will ever happen, or SHOULD ever happen. And here’s why: Ree herself isn’t a professional photographer…but she’s great at taking photos. And how did she get so good? By practicing. By trial and error. By experimentation. She just posted the other day about her process from pure beginner to accomplished amateur!! And just like many, many of the photographers who participate in these contests, she has no formal training. She taught herself. And so can every single other person interested enough in photography to take the time and effort–because no, it’s not easy!–to improve their skills.

So, instead of complaining about competing against people who are supposedly pros, I think everyone who feels their skills are lacking should instead use these contests as a way to learn and improve their own abilities. It’s not the camera or the software that make the photographer; those are just tools. The real skill comes from the mind of the person behind the camera.

85

JanelleM On Tuesday, January 18 at 11:58 am

I am totally inspired to spend my weekends cooking to practice taking pictures (it’s the only time I get natural light). I think your next lodge weekend should be a photography seminar instead of cooking. What do you think?

87

Cowgirl Sewer On Tuesday, January 18 at 12:46 pm

A great BIG “Congratulations!” shout out to Jennifer. I enjoyed looking at all the photos, and I was immediately attracted to her photo. Great job!

On another similar note, however, I find myself agreeing with those of you who have suggested that the next photography contest on “The Pioneer Woman” be considered for amateurs only. While I certainly admire and appreciate the spectacular shots entered by the professional photographers, would it not also be fun to see what see what everyday folks can do, competing on a more “level” playing field, if you will? …just “food” for thought.

Thank you so much, Ree, for all that you do for us–appreciate it…

cicadagirl On Thursday, January 20 at 7:04 pm

And how do you define what makes an amateur versus a pro? I’m willing to bet that the great majority of entries are from people who consider themselves amateurs or hobbyists. I went to the Flickr sites if all the finalists and looked at their profiles…not one single person with a filled-out profile mentions being a professional photographer. Not one person mentioned having formal training, or owning a photography studio. In fact, most of them said they were self-taught and quite a few were stay-at-home moms. The winner is an architectural historian.

What makes a pro, really? Having a nice camera, knowing how to use it, and being able to use Photoshop as a “digital darkroom” to finalize the shot? Um, no. That makes a dedicated amateur. Being a pro photographer generally refers to a certain level of formal training + making most or all of one’s income through photography. Being a good photographer doesn’t mean you’re a “pro” photographer…it means, pure and simple, that you’re a good photographer and that you worked to become so, just like Ree did.

Thanks so much for including my photo amungst the other beautiful finalists Ree. They’re all amazing. Congratulations Jennifer for winning – your shot is awesome and I love the story it tells.

90

MissyF On Tuesday, January 18 at 2:12 pm

I am ecstatic about this winner! Finally one that could’ve been taken by anyone of us “regular” people! It’s natural and there are no special effects that I can tell or photography tricks that a lot of these people use. Don’t get me wrong….all the pics are outstanding and beautiful…but usually throws the rest of us point and shooters or new photographers right out of the game. The whole reason I even attempt any of these is to hope to one day get a DSLR and with this competition…that’s not going to happen. Neither will being able to afford one, lol…so I am forever destined to point and click…Oh well. CONGRATULATIONS, Jennifer!!!!!

Amber B. On Tuesday, January 18 at 2:35 pm

Jennie On Tuesday, January 18 at 2:58 pm

Yea!! This was my favorite as well!! All of the photos were gorgeous!! Congrats to all of you finalists!! Super CONGRATS to the winner!!

94

Niki S. On Tuesday, January 18 at 3:19 pm

Congrats!
These photos are so spectacular it makes me want to hide my camera because I know I will never be this good. lol!
They are so amazing. My favorite is the light blue cake. I love bright colors and I am always drawn to photos with brightness.

patimk On Tuesday, January 18 at 4:20 pm

Interesting discussion about the professional/amateur thing. These days many “hobbyists” are at a pro, or at least advanced level, and separating pros from ams isn’t so easy. The only real distinction to me is if you make your living at it. My dad was a professional photographer in the days when not everyone had access to the “technology” of the day: sophisticated cameras, their own darkroom etc. Today even a modest photography buff with simple equipment and a computer can, with practice, produce very high quality photos. Add in a decent camera and some photoshop and you don’t have to be a pro to look like one. Ree is such a photographer, and many of these are likewise. So what’s the dividing line between pro and am in your minds? Interested in the answer.

cicadagirl On Thursday, January 20 at 7:06 pm

Ugh, THANK YOU. Someone level-headed weighing in on this. I’ll bet that no more than 5%, TOPS, of the participants in these contests would actually consider themselves to be pros, rather than enthusiastic amateurs or passionate hobbyists. Being a GOOD photographer does not necessarily make one a PRO photographer.